Rail

PB wins Detroit streetcar contract

The City of Detroit awarded a contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff for design review and construction quality assurance services for the Woodward Avenue Streetcar Project.

The 3.2-mile-long streetcar line is being designed and built by M-1 Rail, a consortium of businesses, institutions, and foundations, in partnership with the City of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Transportation. The route will run along Woodward Avenue from the city’s downtown, through midtown, to the New Center area, and includes 11 stations with connections to Amtrak and the Detroit People Mover.

Under its contract, Parsons Brinckerhoff is assisting the City of Detroit with reviews of the project’s design plans, criteria manual, and specifications. The firm will also act as the city’s representative for quality assurance during construction of the project.

The Woodward Avenue Streetcar Project is funded from foundation, corporate, institutional, and Detroit Development Authority sources, along with a $25 million federal grant.

Parsons Brinckerhoff conducted a supplemental environmental assessment for the project, which received an amended record of decision in April. Construction is expected to start in mid-October 2013 with completion slated for the fall 2015.